American Avocets

Description:

These birds feed by sweeping their bills from side to side. They are sexually dimorphic where the males have longer and straighter bills than females. Breeding plumage differs from winter plumage based off the color of their heads and necks. Breeding plumage has rufous colored head and neck whereas the winter plumage is all white. May parasitize other birds nest and may have their nest parasitized as well. Family: Recurvirostridae Order: Charadriiformes

Habitat:

Shallow marshes and wetlands. Disturbed area and water floods are controlled. Mostly native mangrove species, Spartina species, and Brazilian Pepper.

Notes:

Picture was taken at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.